Pregame:It's a beautiful morning around the Salt Lake area, but already around 80 degrees two hours before first kick of the Sounders match at RSL. Coverage on NBCSN begins at 11:30 a.m. PT, but I'm told first kick is expected around 11:52 PT -- which is 12:52 local time.

We'll keep this blog open before, during and after the match, with additional updates and comments on Twitter @donruiztnt. The game also will be heard on the usual radio outlets.

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The road-heavy span is over. Seattle gets four of its next six matches at CenturyLink Field, starting Saturday against New England. And, of course, the MLS Cup rematch with Toronto FC looms a week later in Seattle.